Discover more Alkmaar

Visit Alkmaar for the first time and you will never forget it. You will always be drawn back to this gem of a town located only 30 minutes from Amsterdam and 15 minutes from the North Sea Beach. Strolling past the listed buildings, canals, shops, museums and terraces, you'll be amazed at the beauty of the old town centre.

Cheese townAlkmaar is obviously famous as a cheese town: for centuries the world-famous cheese market has been held here on Friday mornings from April to September. A real North Holland tradition that brings a great deal of activity and cheerfulness. Visitors from across the globe come here to view the spectacle. The colourful hats of the cheese bearers, the hand clap of the cheese traders and the vibrant surrounding market make a visit to the Almaar cheese market the perfect day out. More information about the Cheese Market: www.cheesemarket.nl.

Alkmaar heroesThere is much more to experience than cheese alone. Take a lovely walking tour after you pick up a guide from the VVV to make sure that you discover the most unique spots in Alkmaar. You can then learn all about the history of Alkmaar and its bygone heroes who made the town great. Another great way to discover the town centre is by taking a cruise. Are you willing to bet that the town is even more beautiful when viewed from the water?

Museums galoreAlkmaar has various well-maintained museums: obviously the beautiful Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar (bursting with art and history), but also the Holland Cheese Museum and the Beer Museum. And how about the Beatles Museum, devoted entirely to the ‘Fab Four’? When it's time for lunch there are so many different eateries in the town centre that choosing is quite a task. Terraces abound in the town and are obviously a great place to relax in sunny weather.

Also for shopaholicsShopping in Alkmaar is a pleasant experience: in addition to a great selection of major chain stores you will also find plenty of unique boutiques. The streets of ‘d’Oude Stad’ are especially popular amongshopaholics. The listed buildings in this oldest part of the town are where all the best businesses in the region converge. And for a great overnight stay after a day in Alkmaar, sleep in one of the hotels, bed & breakfasts or pitch your tent on the campsite. Enjoy another new day in the town that we 'cheeseheads' are so proud to call home. Willing to bet you'll be back soon?